A/N: First, let me address some items that came in via guest review.

Edward did NOT have sex before he was purchased by Rose and Alice. He had a test orgasm in the lab, for quality control and sensory purposes. They had to make sure he worked right! But it was performed by a lab tech, using an imitation vagina. A pocket pussy. A fleshlight. Yeah, Google that, if you dare! It was more like masturbation, so Edroid is, indeed, still a virgin. Sorry I didn't make it clearer! I may go back and edit that later.

Re: Bella referring to Edward as a toaster; I was trying to show Bella's evolution from seeing him as a machine, to seeing him as a man. She wasn't consciously trying to degrade him, she just needed to warm up to him. And she is all warmed up, now! ;–)

In response to this comment:

"One second they say his love is genuine and the next they suggest to use him until she's tired of him and then to erase his memory and sell him like he's even less than a slave. This is an ethical conflict – either they see him as a person or not. Edward isn't just a machine, he has likes and dislikes, he's able to love and he can feel pain, he's aware of himself... he was maybe artificially created but he's still an intelligent life form not an object."

My thinking is, they (The Bitches) think that if they convince Bella to give Edward a chance, she'll never let him go. So, they are using every weapon in their arsenal to get her to relax and have a go with him. They KNOW their friend, they know her tender heart. Neither one of them thinks for a second that once B lets him in, she'll ever let him go. And if she tried, they'd both bring out the big guns. Again. LOL

But I love, love, LOVE that Edward is engendering sympathy! You guys love him like I do, and that is every writer's dream; making you really care about the characters! *humbled*

Again, thanks to my dearest Bellebiter for being the best Beta a writer could ask for! Love you muchos!

Edward and I entered an idyllic portion of our relationship; that is to say, it was almost like a honeymoon. I still couldn't bring myself to do... it, but my lover (yes, at least I could finally say that) had so many inventive ways to bring us both pleasure. Even out of the bedroom, he was so caring and attentive, I felt truly cherished. I was still working up the nerve to put my mouth on his... thing.

Dick.

Cock.

Yeah.

I was intensely curious; again, though, Bella does not equal bold. But it was just so... appealing. Well, I mean the idea was appealing. Okay, yes, so was his cock. It was downright pretty. And the skin on his neck was delicious. Maybe he tasted good down there as well...

Aside from my newfound, ravenous sexuality, doing housework was a thing of the past, as Edward insisted that he got joy out of taking care of me out of bed as well. The clothes and dishes were washed before I even noticed, and the house was spotless at all times. Besides making me feel pampered and freed from domestic drudgery, it also left me plenty of time to work on my book. At this rate, I'd have a final draft to send off to my publisher before school started in the fall.

The only fly in the ointment was... me. Although I didn't think of Edward as an appliance any longer, I couldn't seem to get past the fact that he wasn't human. And the age factor, although it wasn't really an issue right now, loomed large in my mind; I found it impossible to erase the image of us looking ridiculous, as I – alone – got noticeably older.

Honestly, I could admit to myself that I cared for him. A lot. I felt the symptoms that he had described to me – heart thumping, butterflies in the stomach, missing him when we were apart. Granted, we weren't apart much; but when we were, I couldn't wait to see his beautiful jade eyes, glowing with ardor. Yet I still couldn't bring myself to call it love.

Intense like. Really intense. Way beyond what I had ever felt for Jake, and I had claimed to love him. I'd often get all tangled up in my head, and then decide to think about it later.

La de da, Scarlett. Tomorrow is another day.

One evening, my expansive shower came in handy as we started getting ready to go out. Emmett wanted all six of us to go to dinner; and, in an effort to protect the environment, Edward and I washed up together.

Yeah, that's it. Saving water.

My breasts had never been cleaner; but then again, Edward's dick was so clean it should have squeaked. Well, not so much... but he did make some interesting sounds as I pumped my soapy fists up and down his thick shaft. And then, naturally, Edward had to cleanse my belly and pubic area of his cum – so I had to cling to his shoulders as he bathed me really, really well. By the end of the shower, I was so immaculately clean that my legs were like jelly.

So much for water conservation.

Rushing through dressing, Edward helped me blow out my hair as I dashed on some mascara, and we were off. Me, in a light-green, sleeveless dress and matching ballet flats; he, in his navy slacks and blue shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, just as I like it. I really had to get with Alice about some shopping for Edward.

And we were only marginally late.

Recently, Edward had started driving, and he enjoyed it immensely. He never used the AutoDrive, observing that he was quite 'Auto' enough. I loved his sense of humor. He insisted on holding my hand during the entire trip, and I can't say I minded in the least.

I had to give credit to the programmers; he was the perfect gentleman, opening doors and guiding me with a light hand on the small of my back. I felt protected and cherished.

We arrived at the seafood restaurant that Rosalie said one of her clients had raved about – a gorgeous place with an eclectic mix of modern decor and native stone accents, featuring an enormous fireplace in the center of the dining room. It had three faces, so the warmth was felt everywhere in the restaurant. Alice took control of the seating at the round table – boy, girl, boy, girl – with Jasper to my right, then Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, and back to Edward on my left. I was glad to have Rose next to Edward, in case of... who knows what. You never knew what was possible with this bunch. I was always nervous when the guys were in a social setting with Edward, even though neither had offered any sign of suspicion that Edward was more or less than what he seemed.

The menu was intriguing. Fish dishes from every conceivable nation, and daily fresh catches from, I'm sure, the nearby market at Pike. I couldn't decide between the crab-stuffed flounder or the wood-smoked, honey-glazed salmon. Edward solved it by suggesting we each order one, and I could taste both. It's not like he had a preference, after all.

Drinks were ordered, and The Bitches and I went with girly drinks: a frozen strawberry daiquiri for me; raspberry, for Alice; and Rosalie, to be different, chose an apple martini. Heinekens for the boys, of course. Edward ordered his without blinking an eye. He was just such a guy, sometimes, and I was very proud of him at that moment.

"So, Ed," drawled Jasper. "You've never said what you do."

Tensing, my eyes shot to Rosalie's. We'd never come up with a backstory! I was fighting the beginnings of a freak-out when Edward calmly replied, "Oh, didn't I? Well, I'm in computing. Programming, to be specific."

Grabbing my drink, I buried my nose in the glass. Okay, that would work, except...

"Huh. Me too," said Jasper. Oh shit. "Have you done anything that I would have heard of?"

"No, I work in corporate, not commercial. It's all internal. How about you?" Damn, my guy was quick! Jasper was off and running about some stuff he was developing for Apple, and then his hopes of starting his own software company. Edward had managed to get the focus off of himself with just a few words.

Emmett, as easily bored by the computer talk as he always was, cut through the chatter. "Hey, Eddie. Do you eat oysters?"

"Yes, Emmett. Why do you ask?" Edward raised one eyebrow, obviously not missing the mischievous tone of Emmett's question.

"I challenge you to an oyster eating contest!" he grinned, as if he'd just discovered electricity. Alice, Rose and I all groaned.

"Not again!" huffed Rosalie.

"Wasn't beating me enough, you glutton?" laughed Jasper.

Emmett pouted. "Aww, Rosie. Let me have some fun. He is the new guy. It's a rite of passage! Besides, I'll bet our little Bella is a tiger in bed. He needs all the stamina he can–"

Rosalie clapped her hand over Emmett's mouth – as Jasper's face darkened, and mine turned an unattractive shade of crimson.

"Emmett Dale McCarty! One more word, and you'll not see the tiger in my bed for a very long time!"

He grabbed her wrist and placed a kiss on her palm, before pulling it away from his face to reveal his grin. "You couldn't stay away from me that long, woman!"

"Try me," she said grimly, as our salads arrived, and Emmett's expression sobered appropriately; then, thankfully, he let it drop. Guess he wasn't as dumb as he looked; and I was just grateful the contest was averted. But Emmett was so damned competitive that I knew it would come out in some other way, eventually.

After that, the talk settled into more normal avenues – and Edward kept up with it all, admirably. I guess it helps when you have access to the biggest digital library in the world from the comfort of your own head. Rosalie even loosened up on Emmett watchdog duty, sharing a hilarious story about a client and her future ex-husband, arguing in her office for three solid hours over who would get the children next Christmas – only to find out that both parents are Jewish. Names were redacted, of course; Rosalie Lillian Hale was nothing if not the consummate legal eagle. Once she had her lawyer hat on – even after an apple martini or three – she never put a foot wrong, and her clients always benefited. It was, by now, a habit that also covered her gorgeous ass.

Whenever possible, Edward kept his right hand on my leg – toying with the hem of my dress, and giving my thigh the occasional squeeze. It was cool that Edward was ambidextrous, and could easily use either hand to eat... while the other kept contact with me, no matter which side of him I sat on. I had to admit that it was nice, having someone special; someone who paid particular attention to me. I finally felt like I belonged. Jake had never been invited to these group things, as the girls never really liked him, and the guys thought him too young to be worth it. They would have tolerated him for me, but I was always too uncomfortable to bring him.

Both of the guys seemed to like Edward, especially Emmett. Jasper was the smallest bit more reserved, but I knew he thought Edward was okay, and would warm up to him eventually. He just had trouble thinking of me as a woman, and not the girl he watched out for. Darn Charlie!

No dinner is complete in Seattle without coffee; and so it was my duty to have a wonderful mocha latte with a slice of cheesecake, drizzled in raspberry sauce, with a comma-shaped smear of chocolate fudge on the plate. Decadent! I moaned at the first forkful.

Edward leaned over, brushing his lips against my ear, and whispered, "You have no idea what that sound does to me, do you?"

The combination of his breath in my ear... his proximity... the warm hand on my bare thigh, and the velvety flavor of the cheesecake... all had my eyelids fluttering closed. With a soft chuckle, he kissed my earlobe and withdrew, and my eyes popped open to everyone staring at us. Most of the stares were accompanied by a grin. One, notably, was not.

Jasper.

A confrontation was coming, and I don't think it was going to go the way he thought it would. He was pissing me off, and I'd just about had enough. I didn't want to spoil the evening, so I resolved to call him tomorrow and hit him first, head on. I wasn't that little girl any more, and he would damn well have to face it.

The checks came, and I discretely slipped my credit card into Edward's hand. It would have looked bad, especially to Judge Jasper the Grim, if I paid for our dinner. I resolved to get a card with Edward's name on it, for future outings. And a wallet. Good gravy, what else does a normal man carry? I reminded myself again to get Alice's opinion; if anyone knew shopping and fashion, it was Alice. Edward really needed a bigger wardrobe. And a belt, more shoes, possibly a suit... Mmm, Edward in a suit...

An unusually gentle, balmy breeze was blowing when we stepped out of the restaurant; we unanimously agreed it was too nice out to head home right away, so we set out for a stroll through the city. We were all holding hands with our significant others, loosely bunched; but as a shop would catch someone's eye, the spaces between the three couples grew. Eventually, Edward and I were far out front of the others, more interested in each other than in what was in the storefront windows.

With our fingers woven together, Edward gently swung our hands between us, making me feel so lighthearted and giddy.

Yes, I could admit to myself that he made me happy. When things were quiet – when I was writing, or just messing around on the internet, and Edward was tidying or playing a video game – I'd just feel the need to look at him. He always knew, and his luminous eyes would meet mine. I felt a rush of pure happiness every time.

So, what was I waiting for? Was I in love? How did you know? Was it the rapid thump of my heart when he was near? Was it the squeezing feeling in my chest when he took me into his arms, lowering his mouth to mine? Was it the flipping of my stomach when–

A sharp, anguished and frightened feminine cry from the alley we were passing suddenly jerked me out of my self-absorption. Edward immediately pulled me behind him and turned to face the dark, narrow passageway between the buildings.

"Bella, run back to the others," he said steadily, not turning his head, but focusing intently into the darkness. What could he see that I couldn't?

"No! Edward, please... " I gasped.

"You'll be fine. Please, Love. Please go back to them. I'll be with you as soon as I can."

"I'll be fine? What about you?" By this time, I had started to shake.

"Bella! Go!" He gave me a little shove back toward Rose and Emmett, who were still strolling a full block behind us. I turned to obey, and Edward was gone. My terror froze me in place.

From the darkness, I heard a shout, a scream, a scuffle, and then – to my utter horror – a gunshot. Somehow, I spun to face the shadowy, trash-strewn pathway.

Running footsteps sounded from the alley, as well as from the sidewalk behind me. In a second, I saw a figure emerge from the shadows – running full-tilt, as terrified as I was. A woman in bizarre costume flew past me, blood trickling from her split lip, and I was amazed at how fast she was going on tall platform shoes. In a mini-skirt and a tight tank top, with frizzy, bleach-blond hair, it finally clicked that she might be a hooker. Everything felt surreal as I spun back to face the other footsteps pounding toward me. It was Emmett, with Rosalie a few steps behind. I grabbed for Emmett.

"A gunshot!" I gasped. "Edward... Oh God!"

Emmett tore himself away from my desperate hands and ran down the alley. Rosalie pulled me to the side, away from the mouth of the passageway, whipping out her phone to dial 911. "Careful, Emmett!" she shouted after her retreating boyfriend. She rattled off our location to the dispatcher, and hung up on his demand that she stay on the line. Rose didn't take needless instructions from anyone.

More scuffling... and the cry of a voice that I didn't recognize came from the gloom... and seconds passed like hours. At some point, I realized that I had tears pouring down my face... but I don't remember when they started. My mind felt frozen, and I couldn't think. I was terrified for both men, Emmett and Edward... Edward... Edward!

A strange shape soon emerged from the blackness, finally resolving into Emmett – his left arm around Edward's waist, his right dragging a figure along the ground by his collar, clearly unconscious. He had Edward's right arm draped around his neck.

"Rose! A little help, Baby!"

Rosalie rushed forward – just as Edward began to collapse. Emmett immediately dropped the unconscious man to keep Edward from falling to the pavement. That's when I could finally see that the left side of Edward's light-blue shirt was drenched with a red substance. Jasper and Alice pounded up to us, both out of breath and looking around with startled eyes.

My scream echoed off of the buildings around us as Jasper rushed forward to help with Edward.

Edward raised his head, then looked into my wide, horrified eyes.

"I'm sorry, Sweetheart. It appears I have been shot."

E/N: Well, I had to do at least ONE cliffie. I've been easy on you all so far. ;–) A bit shorter than usual, but hey, you didn't have to wait six months for it! Yay!